Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 February 2017
145. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Finance the actions his Department is taking to defend against cyber attacks after the National Treasury Management Agency, NTMA, website was temporarily down for several hours after a suspected hacking attack; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6881/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn response to the Deputy, I wish to advise that ICT services to the Department of Finance are provided by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) under the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. On behalf of my Department, the OGCIO implements a multi-layered approach to cyber security and to protecting ICT systems, infrastructures, and services. The threat landscape is constantly evolving and significant effort is expended to continually enhance and strengthen ICT security to mitigate against emerging threats, risks, vulnerabilities and cybersecurity issues. In addition to deploying intrusion protection systems, software vulnerabilities are managed by maintaining up-to-date versions. OGCIO also continues to work closely with the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). The NCSC is a division of the Department of Communications, Climate Action & Environment and encompasses the State's national/governmental Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT-IE).
